Where the Sun Sets

Two.

We got to the party early like we planned. Like we always do.

Nelson left an hour before us to help Liam and Chance get the kegs. Nelly has a truck. Everyone loves it.

"I can't believe Jesus freak is back." Shy leaned over, drying her wet hair with an old t-shirt. When she stood back up, she looked directly at Penny, "Pen."

Penelope shrugged, "As if I care this year. I'm graduating early anyways. Who cares?" She was staring at the ground. Her usually done up hair was laying flat against her head which was a direct indication that she was actually not okay.

I know she doesn't want me to but I have to talk to Spencer. I might have to kill her. Who knows?

I'm kidding. I would never jeopardize my scholarship like that.

Maybe after college.

Roger cleared his throat, "I could get my sister to beat her up." He sat up on the bean bag chair, a serious expression displayed on his stubbled face, "She'd do that."

"Guys," Pen breathed out as she stood up off of Liam's bed, "I have said this shit so many times." She turned to look at us, "She doesn't mean anything to us. We can just ignore her until we leave."

I nodded, continuing to do my mascara in the mirror Liam put in here for Dani, "I think we should ignore her. Cunt." I turned to them, "Not in a Charlie XCX kind of way."

"I think we should talk about the fact we already have a summative test next week." Dani stood up, her eyes glued to her phone, "The boys are here."

"Everyone's gonna be here soon." Shy grinned, lifting herself off the small seat, "We gotta pregame. Come on." Shy slumped her shoulders when no one immediately agreed, "I hate you guys right now."

Dani slid her phone in her back pocket, "Oh, I'm down. Liam wants us to go ahead and get the music going anyway."

I looked up at her, "I thought no one was coming until this evening?"

"Y'know people get here ridiculously early, Nat." Dani opened Liam's door, beginning to walk up the carpeted stairs.

I sighed, fixing my hair one last time before trailing behind Roger, "I wonder who all is coming."

"Probably our whole grade." Roger snorted, "Liam's too nice to say no to people."

Dani laughed loudly from the kitchen, "He invited everyone we talked to yesterday, too." She was setting up the cheaper bottles of alcohol Jeremy borrowed from Meijer. "I think we're about to have way too much fun though."

"I'm excited for a party." Pen sighed, sitting by Shyloh at the breakfast table near the window, "I am so excited."

"Yeah, after the news yesterday I woulda done the same thing." Shy laughed, "Come on! Why are none of my jokes landing!?"

Pen smiled, "I want to take shots." She looked up at me from the long bench, "You've got to join in."

"Penelopeee."

"Natalieee." She grabbed my arm, pulling me to sit right by her, "Just a few."

I nodded, "I didn't say no."

~~~

"Just a few, huh?" A voice I almost recognized came from directly behind me. I spun around seeing Nelson, his arm around Liam, "I had a few too!"

I smiled widely looking at my twin and his best friend, "Hi, Lee!" I swayed to whatever Jhene Aiko song was playing, making sure not to let the liquid in my cup spill on the floor.